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An
old boxer bows out Kanne was the
son of the popular Ayurvedic Physician, Kannangara Veda Mahattaya,
whose dispensary was at Deans Road, Colombo 10. This was also the
residence of the Kannangaras. He had an elder brother and a younger
sister. Kanne studied at Ananda College, where he got through his
Senior School Certificate (S.S.C.) Examination in English and in
Science subjects. His results were excellent. However, he
started his life as a science teacher at Walala Central in Kandy.
Later, he had a stint at the Irrigation Department. The last position
he held was that of a turf accountant at a firm along Deans Road,
Colombo 10, close to his childhood residence. Kanne was an
illustrious boxer. He was the Pin Weight National Champion in 1954.
As far as my memory goes, he was either the best boxer or the best
loser at the competitions he participated. His forte was the straight
left and the right. His ring craft, foot work and tactics were object
lessons for any up and coming boxer. Kanne's contemporaries
in boxing were T.J. Martyn, W.A. Don Leslie, Dharmasiri Weerakoon,
Ekanayake brothers, Hector and Bertie, Sumith Liyanage to name a
few who brought fame to the noble art of boxing. One of the
most outstanding characteristics of Kanne was that he was the 'never
say die' type. He wore a charming infectious smile. He was also
a regular tippler who enjoyed his little drink. Sometimes I wonder
whether he lived a lonely life in the last stages, because when
I went to the funeral parlour, only his casket containing his body
was there. There wasn't a single soul in attendance. The greatest
loss in life is what dies inside us, while we live. Life is a borrowing
from God. It must be returned to him when he wants it. "Every
life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and
how he died that distinguish one man from another." Kanne lived
his life which he enjoyed to the full. May the turf lie lightly
on him. As a school mate, my deepest sympathies go to his kith and
kin. A
place of spiritual ethos sought after by many
Browsing
in bookshops, usually a pleasurable task, has now become overwhelmingly
complex as I have to wade through almost a primeval jungle of words,
physical size and technical jargon to find a book that is easy to
carry, easy to read and easy to digest. A reader friendly
book, Dafther Jailany - a book by the Hon. M.L.M. Aboosally- is
one such book. The cover is attractive with its illustration featuring
an artistic depiction of the holy site. The flowing calligraphic
writing introduces graciously the phrase that in essence captures
the Islamic conception of Allah -"In the name of Allah, the
Beneficent, the Merciful". The pictures
within are unpretentious and complement the text without dominating
the contents. Dafther Jailany is a book written in simple language
and the author says, it is about the sojourn of Shanzul Azem Abdul
Qadir in Dafther Jailany in Sri Lanka. He continues: "I first
became interested in the Sheikh Abdul Qadir from the stories that
my mother often repeated to me at bedtime when I was very small.
In later years, I visited Dafther Jailany many times and became
closely associated with its preservation and development."
One feels that it will invoke wide interest because of its readability
and may fulfil the hope of the author to inspire others to inquire
further into Arab and Persian influences in Sri Lanka. The incidents
described in a readable style brings one to a place of security
so sorely needed in today's world state for spirituality which is
provided by a mere recounting of the simple incident in the saint's
life, The narration of events in such simplicity however has depth
which makes inroads into history, geography, culture and other aspects.
Issues, even controversial ones, are dramatised but devoid of sensationalism
- that is to say a recounting to put feelings in their place. There are the
issues on the impact of colonisation, ethnic strife, and conflict.
which are factual and interesting, written to inform and not to
disturb the tenor of life. In short, these issues are dealt with
great sensitivity. Of special significance is the Jailany feast.The
Jailany Feast, held annually is attended by many from all around
Sri Lanka. The peak of the celebrations is the Refai Ratheeb conducted
by a group of fakirs (Sufi mendicants). The Refai order originated
in Iraq in the 12th Century AD and these fakirs visit Muslim villages,
beating tambourines and reciting devotional sayings. They wear turbans,
beads around their neck and carry begging bowls. The recital is
a religious one and as part of the recital, they slash their bodies.
The Ratheeb is spectacular. It's hard to believe but it is fact
that within this book the author has managed to present precise,
systematically arranged incidents that cover centuries of history.
One may comment that there is an absence of colourful phrases,picturesque
figure of speech and clever twists of ideas. This characteristic
adds to the intention of the book which is certainly not to enchant
but to convey little known facts of a sacred place significant in
the history of Muslims and Sri Lanka in general. When I read
this book, the simplicity of the author and his consistent humility
is relayed to me in his perception and attitude to events. Facts sieved
in this manner and carefully presented and transparently expressed
add not only to the inheritance of a community but also helps in
development of growth. Jailany with its spiritual ethos has become
a much sought after place by people of different frames of mind.
M.L.M. Aboosally is a person who belongs to a special culture that
is religious not only in words but in acts and deeds. . The book is available at M.D. Gunasena, Vijitha Yapa Bookshop, Lake House, Bookland, Barefoot Bookshop, KVG De Silva's & Sons,and Sarasavi Bookshop. |
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Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers
Ltd. All rights reserved. |
